Begonia 'Tingley Mallet' Pink

Begonia ‘Tingley Mallet’ is a historic collector Begonia with rich purplish-red foliage, a soft velvety texture, and bright pink flowers. Introduced in France in the late 1800s, this heirloom cultivar has remained desirable for well over a century because of its unusual combination of dark foliage, fine surface hairs, and elegant upright growth.

The leaves develop deep burgundy, reddish-purple, and olive tones depending on light and growing conditions. Fine hairs across the foliage give each leaf a distinctive soft, almost suede-like appearance, creating additional depth when viewed under bright indirect light.

Unlike many modern Begonias selected primarily for extreme variegation, Tingley Mallet is valued for its colour, texture, history, and growth habit. It is an excellent choice for collectors looking for an unusual Begonia that feels both botanical and ornamental.

The photos show the exact specimen you will receive. What you see is what you receive.

BOTANICAL DETAILS

Botanical name: Begonia ‘Tingley Mallet’
Family: Begoniaceae
Parentage: Begonia ‘Eldorado’ × Begonia incarnata ‘Purpurea’
Origin: France, introduced in the late 19th century
Type: Mallet-type cane Begonia / heirloom collector Begonia
Growth habit: Upright, cane-like to shrub-like
Foliage: Purplish-red to burgundy foliage with fine surface hairs and a velvety texture
Flowers: Bright pink blooms on established plants under suitable growing conditions
Indoor size: Approximately 30–60 cm (12–24 in) under typical indoor conditions
Variegation: Non-variegated cultivar; prized for foliage colour and texture
Exact specimen: Individually photographed plant

Also searched as: Begonia Tingley Mallet, Tingley Mallet Begonia, Mallet Begonia, heirloom Begonia, burgundy Begonia, velvet leaf Begonia, rare cane Begonia.

WHY COLLECTORS LOVE IT

Begonia ‘Tingley Mallet’ offers something different from heavily spotted or variegated Begonias. Its appeal comes from the combination of deep reddish-purple foliage and fine, velvety hairs covering the leaf surface.

The foliage can shift in appearance depending on lighting, with tones ranging from muted olive and bronze to deep burgundy and purplish red. The texture becomes particularly noticeable when light catches the fine hairs across the leaves.

Its long cultivation history also makes Tingley Mallet especially interesting for Begonia collectors. Rather than being a recently introduced novelty cultivar, it is an heirloom Begonia that has remained in cultivation since the 19th century.

FOLIAGE & GROWTH

Tingley Mallet belongs to the distinctive Mallet-type Begonia group. Plants develop upright stems with foliage distributed along the growth points, although mature specimens may take on a fuller, shrub-like appearance.

The leaves are naturally covered with tiny hairs that create their characteristic velvet-like texture. This is a normal feature of the cultivar and should not be mistaken for residue or damage.

Under favourable conditions, established plants can also produce clusters of bright pink flowers, creating a striking contrast against the dark foliage.

CARE

Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal for strong growth and rich foliage colour. Gentle morning sun can be tolerated, but avoid intense afternoon sunlight.

Water: Allow the upper portion of the growing medium to begin drying before watering again. Keep the plant evenly hydrated without leaving the roots continuously wet.

Humidity: Moderate household humidity is generally suitable. Approximately 40–60% or higher works well when combined with good airflow.

Temperature: Keep warm and protected from cold drafts. Normal indoor temperatures are suitable, with approximately 18–27°C preferred.

Substrate: Use a light, airy and well-draining Begonia mix that retains some moisture without becoming compacted or waterlogged.

Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during active growth.

Leaf care: Because the foliage is naturally hairy, avoid repeatedly wetting or rubbing the leaves. Gentle airflow helps keep textured Begonia foliage healthy.

SHIPPING ACROSS CANADA 🇨🇦

We offer Canada-wide shipping and local pickup in Richmond, BC.

Plants are carefully packed to help protect the foliage and growing medium during transit. From October through April, shipments include seasonal cold-weather protection with insulation and a heat pack when appropriate.

Because this is a live plant, minor changes in foliage position, size, or appearance may naturally occur between photography and delivery.

Exact plant photographed — what you see is what you receive.